That’s right, look down here. Thanks. Happy Friday (late Thursday night), Earthers. We are once again very proud to bring you a new installment of our rock opera. We’ve had some drugs and we’ve a lot of rock ‘n roll. So, without further ado, here’s the sex. I asked Nic to actually write this week’s blog post because I think he is, understandably, eager to talk about our comic this week:

“So. Sex. It’s a very important thing. It’s so important that we spent most of our lives trying to find someone to have it with and share it passionately. And since comics are a reflection of life, it’s only natural that sex should come up at some point.

As a kid, I grew up on European comics, which almost invariably contained sex (explicit or not) and/or eroticism. And our Argentine culture is very accustomed to erotic imagery, so it came out very naturally to me. But working in American comics, I had to learn to tone that down to a tease. It was another culture and had some strict rules about it! Plus, it seemed almost irrational for me to see, say, Superman shagging Lois Lane (with all due respect). All this time, then, the sex was just in the back of my head.

Until FREE MARS came along.

Dave and I shared a common interest in stories and were both very clear on what we thought was fun to write/draw/read. And sex was never an issue. It was a part of it. Thus, this page shouldn’t be something unexpected to our readers. It should be something reassuring of the direction we’re taking with the project and the rules we want to break. Because even if our Mars is reminiscent of great classics and has a lot of influences, it still breaks the mold in many ways.

I firmly believe this is one of my best pages to date. The flow of the scene, the composition, the atmosphere, the anatomy. Everything conspires to bring Damien and Vikki’s passion to life. This is very intimate, but for some reason it doesn’t feel weird or stiff. It feels natural and tasteful. It is, thankfully, another testament to the richness and open-mindedness of FREE MARS. Enjoy it.” – NRG

For my own part, I have had this love scene written for weeks, but I was on the fence about the specifics. Most pages are fully constructed by the time I send them south and, though Nic fills in so many details, the main action is described in depth. This page was a little different. I had a clear image of the first two panels, but I wanted Nic to “take it away” in the third. He did.

To me, the question always had to be: does this scene further the story? If the answer was “no”, then it was just going to be a gratuitous display; unnecessary. But if I sincerely believed that the scene did move forward the relationship of these two characters, then it was appropriate. I think that criteria was met. The page is a triumph of Nic’s skill. Nic isn’t exactly subtle here, but our Mars is not a subtle place. Our Martians don’t have time for subtle.

Anyway, look at all our rambling! What do you think? Oh, and, of course: Lovesong.

Dave & Nic

Discussion (11) ¬

I honestly did not expect you guys to go there, but after thinking about it a second I’m glad you did. Nic sheds light on a very interesting truth about our world. For the most part, the US is very prudish when it comes to graphic representation of sex in mainstream media, very much in contrast to other parts of the world (except for maybe Iran or something. Oh well, their loss) I like that you guys opted to be very frank and immodest about a facet of life that is essential to who we are as human beings.

This comic continues to be one of my favorites. I’m amazed I get to read it for free every week and I will continue to buy any collections you guys are able to put out. The sex and violence feel natural to setting and story. It never feels like exploitation, but at the same time its exciting to read.

I usually get a few email comments each week on the most recent page. I thought I’d share my favorite from today:

“Is it web comic sweeps week?” -J in Chicago

For the non-US readers, “sweeps week” used to be (maybe still is) a week in February when TV advertisement rates are set. To that end, TV shows would save their most important or outlandish episodes for sweeps (i.e. weddings, character deaths).

Now, obviously, Nic and I don’t see this page as a gimmick and we think it’s an important and major step in the plot. But, that said, the question was really funny.

but on thing kinda bugs me about this page guys I always thought Vikki had better taste in guys for one Kessler, pirated her music then made pervy eyes at her while she was knocked out those two things alone would make any one hate some one with the intensity of a tousand suns, so I guess i dont see how she went form pure hatred for the man to wanting to share his bed.

Do know im not opposed to the idea of them getting together at some point it’s at this point in time it feels kinda rushed maybe that cuz we didnt see the build up to this i dont know but, never the less awesome page looks great keep out the great work Dave and Nic